2013 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport Gets Many Upgrades

As the Outlander Sport enters its third year of production, it reigns as the best-selling vehicle in Mitsubishi's lineup in the U.S. All 2013 Outlander Sports come with numerous no-cost standard features and convenient amenities.

The Outlander Sport is a different vehicle altogether than the regular Outlander, even though it's based on the same wheelbase. It is slightly smaller overall than the regular Outlander, and weighs in at roughly 500 pounds less, making it more agile. There is no third-row seating option for the Sport models.

The impressive 5-passenger compact crossover showcases several new improvements for 2013, including enhanced exterior styling and interior design features. The 2013 Outlander Sport is available in two trim levels: ES and SE -- each in either 2WD or 4WD.

Latest Video

Both are powered by a 2.0-liter 16-valve MIVEC inline four-cylinder engine, which delivers 148 horsepower along with 145 lb.-ft. of torque. Transmission choices include either a 5-speed manual (ES FWD only) or a Sportronic Continuously Variable Transmission for the SE. The 2013 Outlander Sport is more fuel-efficient too, with best EPA ratings of 24 mpg city and 31 mpg highway.

In terms of its exterior enhancements, the 2013 Outlander Sport takes on a more sophisticated look with a redesigned front fascia, which includes new grille styling and fog lamp design, and a new rear bumper design. The side sills are now black in color matching the lower sections of the redesigned front and rear bumpers and there's a new chrome door trim accent garnish.

The interior benefits from a variety of improvements within this crossover's spacious and comfortable cabin, such as reduced Volatile Organic Compounds through the use of new interior materials; new seating fabrics; a chrome accent front door molding; an All-Wheel Control center console push button switch; and cabin noise reduction gained from higher grade insulation material.

Outlander Sport's 2013 mechanical improvements consist of a redesigned rear multi-link suspension for better ride comfort and handling, while the fuel-saving Electric Power Steering has been augmented to provide increased steering feel for the driver. The Continuously Variable Transmission calibration has also been improved to enhance acceleration performance and to provide a smoother shifting feel.

Both trims of the 2013 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport now come standard with 18-inch alloy wheels, and the Outlander Sport SE now includes SiriusXM satellite radio, heated front seats and a new chrome accent molding for the front doors as standard fare. The 2013 ES model is now available with Mitsubishi's All-Wheel Control all-wheel drive system.

My Mitsubishi test vehicle was the 2013 Outlander Sport FWD in SE trim with the CVT gearbox with a base price set at $22,295. Adding the Premium Package and Navigation System with Rear View camera along with the destination charges bumped the final count and amount to $27,170.

The Outlander Sport SE is an easy-on-the-eyes, sporty compact crossover, looking very much like its larger Outlander sibling. The Outlander Sport SE manages to blend improved and pleasing driving dynamics with enhanced good looks, functionality and versatility. It's not only comfortable, but agile as well. Ride quality is comfortable and the 710-watt Rockford Fosgate premium audio system features digital signal processing, MP3 playback capability and nine speakers, including an enclosed 10-inch subwoofer delivers audiophile quality tunes.

The Outlander Sport is financially attainable for a range of consumers thanks to its broad price range, which starts at $19,170 for the ES model with lots of option choices available. Optional equipment packages are reasonably priced as well, allowing consumers to personally equip their selected Outlander Sport model to best fulfill their requirements and desires.

SPECIFICATIONS

2013 MITSUBISHI OUTLANDER SPORT SE

VEHICLE TYPE__________________ 5-passenger FWD CUV

BASE PRICE_____________________ $22,295 (as tested: $27,170)

MOTOR TYPE___________________ 16-valve 4-cylinder w/MPFI

DISPLACEMENT_________________2.0-liter

HORSEPOWER (net)_____________ 148 at 6000 rpm

TORQUE (lb.-ft.)________________ 145 at 4200 rpm

TRANSMISSION_________________ CVT

OVERALL LENGTH_______________ 169.1 in.

TURNING CIRCLE (curb-to-curb):__ 34.8 ft.

CURB WEIGHT__________________ 3,120 lbs.

FUEL CAPACITY________________ 16.6 gal.

EPA MILEAGE RATING___________ 24 mpg city, 31 mpg highway

Welcome to the discussion.

Keep it Clean. Please avoid obscene, vulgar, lewd,
racist or sexually-oriented language.PLEASE TURN OFF YOUR CAPS LOCK.Don't Threaten. Threats of harming another
person will not be tolerated.Be Truthful. Don't knowingly lie about anyone
or anything.Be Nice. No racism, sexism or any sort of -ism
that is degrading to another person.Be Proactive. Use the 'Report' link on
each comment to let us know of abusive posts.Share with Us. We'd love to hear eyewitness
accounts, the history behind an article.